EMTV – According to a press statement by the Papua New Guinea Israel Jewish Council, ‘Israeli Nationals will not require visas to enter PNG ports for 60 days and PNG Nationals will not require visas to enter Israeli ports up to 90 days.’

The Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic, Service/Official and National/Ordinary Passports, is an agreement that was signed between Foreign Affairs Minister Rimbink Pato and his Israeli counterpart.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill stated that “…there will be no more visas required for Papua New Guineans and no visa required for Israelis coming to PNG, so you can arrive here without a visa and you can automatically come and visit the holy sites — so that’s very good news for Papua New Guineans.”

The agreement between the State of Israel and the Independent State of Papua New Guinea is seen as a boost to bilateral relations.

“It is important that our diplomatic relationship to be lifted to the next level — we want to open up a new embassy here. We are hoping that Israel will also open up a small embassy in Port Moresby for the Pacific region.” He added.

Israeli President, Benjamin Netanyahu, reaffirmed PNG that Israel was willing to give it a prime spot at Jerusalem, and not Tel Aviv where all other diplomatic missions are located.